Date Published: 04/03/2020 [Source]
West School would remain closed for the 2020-21 school year under a recommendation coming from the Grand Forks School Finance Committee. The group was informed last night that in addition to water and mold problems the building has elevated levels of radon gas.
Health officials say radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
In order to combat the radon problem the district would need to invest around one-million dollars in a new HVAC system. Finance Director Scott Berge says the district's revenue picture is already stretched thin and this doesn't help.
Superintendent Terry Brenner says the latest information needs to be shared with the public and the newly created Task Force studying facility needs in the district.
The committee voted unanimously to recommend that West remain closed for 2020-21 school year. The recommendation will be forwarded to the full school board.